Worried about Petechiae

I am a 32 year old female.  Five years ago I got a sunburn while on vacation and within a few days about 30-40 petechiae showed up on my lower legs in area that was burned.  I went to my Dr. and he did a CBC and sed rate.  They were both normal.  Since then I have noticed them show up , about 2-3 a day on legs, arms, face and chest.  They come, stay a few days, then go away.  They do not blanch.  They never get bigger than about 1mm.  They make me nervous because everything says Leukemia when you talk about petechiae. I have had CBC's done over the years and they are always normal.  My most recent cbc was done in February.  Is it possible that I get these from sun exposure?  Does everybody get these and I just notice them more?  Should I be concerned?    

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I'm not really sure what these are, but I am sure they aren't leukemia.  Your tests--and your general health--wouldn't be normal after five years if this were anything serious.  I don't think you should be concerned.  If you need more reassurance, a consultation with a hematologist would seem reasonable.  Some young women just bruise easily, for no special or important reason.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[mag75]

I just wanted to add one note that I went and had a cbc w/ diff done last night and platelets were normal.  There was one test that was abnormal, the absolute lymphocyte number.  It was slightly low, 1.32 (Normal 1.5-4).  Lymph % 24.  Every other part was normal.  Not sure how this fits into the whole picture but I would appreciate your comment.  thanks!

[suzi1954]

A related discussion, petechiae was started.

[twinsmomplus2more]

A related discussion, A little worried about a lot of petechia was started.